Staff Report
In an effort to follow public health guidelines and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city of Goleta has suspended library programming at the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries until the end of April.
Because it is up to everyone to do their part to help mitigate the transmission of coronavirus, library staff are taking proactive steps to ensure the libraries are a clean and safe space for all. The libraries have increased routine cleaning and sanitizing of commonly touched spaces and surfaces, including but not limited to restrooms, table tops, door knobs, and computers.
All soft toys and manipulatives in the children’s area, which are more challenging to keep clean, have been put away for now.
All guests and staff are urged to practice social distancing and healthy habits, including frequent and thorough hand-washing for 20 seconds with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and staying home if you are sick.
To protect the health and safety of fellow patrons and library staff, patrons are asked to not come to the library, or bring anyone to the library, who is not feeling well.
Fortunately, the library has many programs that can be accessed remotely with a Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Library card:
– E-library: Download e-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, graphic novels, and magazines.
– Kanopy: A new free streaming service where you can watch up to 10 movies per month.
– The New York Times: Read it online from anywhere.
– Brainfuse HelpNow!: Live, online tutoring available daily, 1-10 p.m.
Patrons can also order books or audiobooks not owned by the library for home delivery by filling out a Zip Books request form. For reading recommendations of downloadable books, fill out the Personalized Reading List form and receive a personalized list.
Books currently placed on hold can be postponed for pick-up or check-out by calling your local library branch or by reviewing your Overdrive account for holds on eBooks and Audiobooks.
Visit the Goleta Valley Library website for more information on services available.
Those who don’t have a library card can get one that allows access to downloadable services by going to the Black Gold eCard Registration webpage, https://www.blackgold.org/polaris/custom/ecardreg.aspx.
To check out physical material, it is necessary to get a library card by going into the Goleta, Buellton or Solvang libraries. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as driver’s license or passport, and something with your current mailing address. This can be any piece of mail including bills or magazines as long as the name matches your driver’s license or passport.
If your driver’s license has your current address on it, you only need that one item.
To talk to a library staff member during open hours, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org. Questions can also be emailed to staff at goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org.
Library locations are:
» Goleta Valley Library: 500 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta, 805-964-7878.
» Buellton Library: 140 W. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-688-3115.
» Solvang Library: 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, 805-688-4214.
